Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

Devotional For October 4, 2023

Encouragement

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭1

These words from Jesus are a reminder that we can find peace and comfort in Him. He encourages us not to let our hearts to be consumed with fear annd anxiety. Why? Because He is our refuge and our source of peace and comfort.

In times of trouble, Jesus invites us to take refuge in our faith, to remember the promises of God, and to trust in Him wholeheartedly. It’s a call to anchor our hearts in the belief that God is in control, even when circumstances seem to be out of control.

Jesus emphasized the importance of placing our faith in Him, just as we trust in God. He is not only our Savior but also our Prince of Peace. When we fully trust in Him, we acknowledge His power to bring calmness to our troubled hearts.

So, how can we apply this verse to our daily lives?

  1. Whenever anxiety creeps in, let’s choose faith over fear. Instead of dwelling on our worries, let’s remember that God is with us, and we can trust in Him to navigate life’s challenges.
  2. Spend time in prayer and meditate on God’s Word. Seek His presence and ask for His peace to fill your heart. Meditate on the promises found in Scripture. Ask God to reveal Himself to you through His Word.
  3. Share your concerns and burdens with fellow believers. In times of trouble, a supportive spiritual community can provide encouragement, prayer, and a listening ear. Don’t neglect participating in worship services.
  4. As you trust in Jesus and His promises, take action in your faith. Step out with courage, knowing that He goes before you.

Pray

Lord, when troubles come and my heart is troubled, remind me of John 14:1. Help me to find peace in You, to believe in Your power to calm my fears, and to anchor my faith firmly in Your love. May I choose faith over fear and trust in Your guidance. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 3, 2023

Encouragement

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭23‬

Before you were saved, you were held captive, bound by chains of sin and separated from God’s grace. You were enslaved to your own desires, living a life of spiritual poverty. But then, the Savior came and redeemed you.

Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price on the cross to redeem you, to purchase your freedom with His own blood. You were bought with the price of Christ’s sacrifice, and in that transaction, you were set free.

You are no longer bound by the chains of sin and death. You are no longer enslaved to the world’s expectations or the demands of others. You belong to Christ, and in Him, you find true freedom.

However, as Paul reminds us, this freedom comes with a responsibility: “do not become slaves of men.” While we have been set free from sin, we must be cautious not to exchange one form of slavery for another. It’s easy to become entangled in the expectations and opinions of others, allowing their judgments and demands to dictate our actions and decisions.

Instead, we are called to live as free individuals in Christ. This means making choices that align with God’s will, not out of compulsion or fear of what others may think, but out of a deep love for our Savior and a desire to honor Him.

As you go about your day, remember the price that was paid for your freedom. Live in the liberty of Christ, making choices that reflect your identity as a child of God. Seek His guidance in all things, and do not allow the expectations or judgments of others to enslave you once again.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for the incredible price You paid to set me free from sin and bondage. Help me to live in the freedom that You provided. Give me the strength to resist the pressures and expectations of the world and to make choices that honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For October 2, 2023

Encouragement

And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬

The Israelites were standing at the banks of the Jordan River, about to cross over into the Promised Land. Before they were to witness the wonders of God, Joshua delivered a crucial message: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

The word “sanctify” means to set apart, to make holy. Joshua was instructing the people to prepare themselves spiritually, to set their hearts and minds on God.

We often find ourselves at crossroads, facing challenges or embarking on new adventures. Just like the Israelites, it’s essential for us to sanctify ourselves before these moments. Here are three key aspects to consider:

1. Surrender: Sanctification begins with surrender. It means letting go of our own plans, fears, and doubts and giving ourselves entirely to God. It’s an acknowledgment that we can’t do it all on our own, but with God’s guidance and strength, we can overcome any obstacle.

2. Holiness: To sanctify ourselves is to strive for holiness. It involves purifying our hearts, repenting of sin, and seeking a closer walk with God. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, and His presence becomes evident in our lives.

3. Expectation: Joshua told the Israelites to sanctify themselves because he knew that God was about to perform wonders among them. Similarly, when we sanctify ourselves, we do so with the expectation that God will work wonders in our lives. We trust that He will guide us, protect us, and fulfill His promises.

As you face the “Jordan Rivers” in your life—those moments of transition, challenge, or opportunity—remember Joshua’s words. Sanctify yourself. Set yourself apart for God. Surrender, seek holiness, and maintain an expectant heart. Then, just as the Israelites witnessed God’s wonders, you too will experience His marvelous work in your life.

Pray

Lord, I come before You today, desiring to sanctify myself fully to You. I surrender my plans, my fears, and my doubts into Your hands. Make me holy, Lord, and guide me as I face the challenges and opportunities ahead. I expect Your wonders in my life, knowing that with You, all things are possible. In Jesus’ name, amen.